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Five Trips for Theme Park Fun

By Angeline Sheridan July 17, 2014
We love theme parks: there's always something for everyone, and the kids are always EXHAUSTED at the end of the day. Macaroni Kid has rounded up our picks of the best family-friendly theme parks in the area to add to your summer bucket list. If you have your own personal fave not on the list, feel free to share in the comments below!

1. Hershey, PA. The 2 1/2 hour drive and the many attractions in the area make this a great weekend destination. Hersheypark is HUGE with plenty of rides for kids 36" and taller, and a separate "Boardwalk" for water rides. And as if that's not enough, July 14-25 Hersheypark is celebrating Christmas in July with a special visitor from the North Pole. When you've had your fill of theme park rides, you can also check out Hershey's Chocolate World for a free chocolate tour ride, Hershey Gardens and ZooAmerica. Click HERE to read our review of Hersheypark and Hershey Lodge. Hersheypark ticket prices are $59.95 for ages 9-54 and $37.95 ages 3-8.

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2. Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA. Between the furry lovable monsters, the rides and water park, what's not to love about this classic theme park for the young 'uns and the young 'uns at heart? Plus, they just opened a new play area Cookie's Monster Land. If you missed our review of Cookie's Monster Land, click HERE. Online ticket prices of $58 for a 2 day visit valid through December 31, 2014.

3. Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ) and Great Escape (Queensbury, NY). Six Flags is known for its exciting, heart-pounding thrill rides for teens and adults. It is also equally popular for catering to the little thrill-seekers, with pint-sized rides in Bugs Bunny Land in Great Adventure and Storytown and Timbertown in Great Escape. Great Adventure in central NJ is about 1 1/2 hours away, making it a doable day trip. For a weekend getaway, check out Great Escape which is located near Lake George - about a 3 hour drive. Online ticket prices for Great Adventure start at $41.99. Online ticket prices for Great Escape start at $42.99, and for a limited time buy an adult ticket for $44.99 and get a kid's ticket FREE. 

4. Camelbeach Mountain Water Park (Tannersville, PA). A short 1 1/2 hour drive brings you to Camelbeach, a water park oasis in the Poconos mountain region. From mat slides, to fast tube rides, to a giant wave pool and a lazy river, Camelbeach is guaranteed to make a big splash for the water-lovers in your family. Online tickets for 48" or taller is $37.99; children 48" and under $27.99. Children 2 and under FREE.

5. Land of Make Believe & Pirate's Cove (Hope, NJ). Now celebrating its 60th year, Land of Make Believe was one of my favorite summer trips as a little girl. Reasonably priced and about a hour's drive west, this amusement and water park is just right for families with young children. Tickets are $25 for adults and $27 for children ages 2-18. Children under 2 free. Cash and Discover only.


For more ideas on things to do with the kids, check out our Summer Camp & Activities Guide!




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We never get tired of hearing from our readers about how much they love reading Macaroni Kid - it makes those late nights getting our newsletters out so worth it! If you've got a tip about local kid & family friendly venues or restaurants, got an experience to share from one of the events listed on Macaroni Kid, or want us to check out a local venue or business, tell us about it. You can post on our Facebook page, tweet it using @MacKidNPascack, leave a comment under an article, or email us. We're here for ya.

Have a fun-filled week!


Angeline Sheridan
Publisher/Editor of Macaroni Kid of Northern and Pascack Valley, NJ


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